Violence Has Major Role in Sex Trafficking

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Researchers are surprised by the degree of violence used as part of a structured business strategy behind the juvenile sex trade in Minneapolis.

The preliminary study was released Wednesday. It was funded by the Women's Foundation of Minnesota and the University of Minnesota Children, Youth and Family Consortium.

Researchers examined nearly six years of Minneapolis police and Hennepin County district court records. They also looked at seven years of media reports and interviewed 89 people who work directly with victims.

The Star Tribune reports researchers found evidence of pimps using severe violence and threats against 34 percent of victims.

Among its findings, the report found an overrepresentation of communities of color as facilitators and victims. Poverty-stricken neighborhoods were among the hardest hit.